Published: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 9:39 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, June 27, 2013 at 9:39 p.m.

The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen on Thursday unanimously rejected a proposal that would have de-annexed the Galleria Shopping Center property, adding it to Wilmington.

"I'm reluctant for the town to give up control of a property that is that large. You never know about that," said Bill Sisson, the town's mayor pro tem. "I'm worried about rushing to judgment on something that is potentially this complicated. There is not a solution that's going to please everybody."

Equity One Inc., owner of the 97,864-square-foot shopping center, had asked the board to support de-annexation so that developers could revamp the property into a mixed-use development with both residential and retail facilities. The property, at 6800 Wrightsville Ave., was formerly anchored by Harris Teeter and closed last year.

Wilmington's zoning ordinances would allow the residential parcels, but Wrightsville Beach's stipulate that properties west of the drawbridge cannot include housing.

During a public comment period prior to the vote, a handful of residents spoke unanimously against the de-annexation, expressing concern over depriving the town of additional tax revenue from the property.

"This board has sat here and put us to sleep, ad nauseam, arguing about a $5,000 budget item," said Jim Smith, a Wrightsville Beach resident. "That's a huge compliment to you, because that's what you need to do for our tax dollars. I see it as a win-lose if we de-annex – it's a win for the property owner, and a lose for the town."

Officials were similarly wary of losing potential revenue, and said they also were hesitant to set a precedent that could encourage other properties to follow suit.

"Anytime you do something like this," said Mayor David Cignotti, "you have to say, ‘If you do it for one, you have to do it for the next guy.'?"

Cignotti suggested that the board consider recommending a charrette, or a series of public meetings and forums to explore other ways to use the property. Residents had suggested keeping the original plan and changing the existing zoning ordinances to allow for mixed-use development, but Cignotti said he was somewhat reluctant to endorse that idea.

"I think our zoning is designed the way it was for a reason," he said. "I hesitate to agree to anything that'll put residential housing on our property out there, but there might be ways to get more public input and find out if that's what people think."

No formal plan was put in place for public forums. The Wilmington City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting Friday to vote on a resolution supporting the property's annexation.

<p>The Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen on Thursday unanimously rejected a proposal that would have de-annexed the Galleria Shopping Center property, adding it to Wilmington.</p><p>"I'm reluctant for the town to give up control of a property that is that large. You never know about that," said Bill Sisson, the town's mayor pro tem. "I'm worried about rushing to judgment on something that is potentially this complicated. There is not a solution that's going to please everybody."</p><p>Equity One Inc., owner of the 97,864-square-foot shopping center, had asked the board to support de-annexation so that developers could revamp the property into a mixed-use development with both residential and retail facilities. The property, at 6800 Wrightsville Ave., was formerly anchored by Harris Teeter and closed last year.</p><p>Wilmington's zoning ordinances would allow the residential parcels, but Wrightsville Beach's stipulate that properties west of the drawbridge cannot include housing.</p><p>During a public comment period prior to the vote, a handful of residents spoke unanimously against the de-annexation, expressing concern over depriving the town of additional tax revenue from the property.</p><p>"This board has sat here and put us to sleep, ad nauseam, arguing about a $5,000 budget item," said Jim Smith, a Wrightsville Beach resident. "That's a huge compliment to you, because that's what you need to do for our tax dollars. I see it as a win-lose if we de-annex – it's a win for the property owner, and a lose for the town."</p><p>Officials were similarly wary of losing potential revenue, and said they also were hesitant to set a precedent that could encourage other properties to follow suit.</p><p>"Anytime you do something like this," said Mayor David Cignotti, "you have to say, 'If you do it for one, you have to do it for the next guy.'?"</p><p>Cignotti suggested that the board consider recommending a charrette, or a series of public meetings and forums to explore other ways to use the property. Residents had suggested keeping the original plan and changing the existing zoning ordinances to allow for mixed-use development, but Cignotti said he was somewhat reluctant to endorse that idea.</p><p>"I think our zoning is designed the way it was for a reason," he said. "I hesitate to agree to anything that'll put residential housing on our property out there, but there might be ways to get more public input and find out if that's what people think."</p><p>No formal plan was put in place for public forums. The Wilmington City Council is scheduled to hold a special meeting Friday to vote on a resolution supporting the property's annexation. </p><p>Kate Elizabeth Queram: 343-2217</p><p>On <a href="http://www.starnewsonline.com/section/news41"><b>Twitter</b></a>: @kate_goes_bleu</p>